ORDER OF PREFERENCE: The selection for Maintenance and Construction is made on the basis of fitness and ability, with preference given to: Maintenance and Construction District, System-Wide (L689), Authority-Wide, and external candidates, respectively.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education
- High School Diploma or GED
Experience
- Must have experience in or the ability to quickly acquire the skills needed to safely operate hand and power tools and operate small engine equipment (tractors, skid loaders, snow blowers, and brushes).
Gardener D
- Two (2) years of experience in landscaping, hardscape construction, and operation of landscaping equipment.
Certification/Licensure
- Possession of a driver’s license from the jurisdiction of residence is required.
Preferred
Medical Group:
- Ability to satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this class.
- Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks, including frequent lifting of objects weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds.
- Ability to distinguish basic colors for safety identification.
Mission Essential Designation:
In accordance with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), this job has been identified as critical to mission essential functions. Incumbents in this role may be required to report to or continue to work in the event of authorized office closings or service suspensions due to severe weather, natural disaster, fire, operational emergencies, or related events.
SUMMARY
Gardeners perform general and specialized landscaping and grounds maintenance activities, including but not limited to: mowing, weeding, cultivating, fertilizing, mulching, trimming, pruning, planting, seeding, sodding, and collecting/disposing of trash and debris. Additionally, Gardeners are responsible for preparing for and responding to severe weather events, including snow/ice and flooding, by staging supplies/materials at designated locations and removing ice, snow, and debris. Incumbents use hand and power tools and operate motorized equipment (loaders, tractors with various attachments, bobcats, street sweepers, lawn mowers, sweeping machines, snow blowers, and chainsaws) in the performance of their duties.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Performs, in compliance with established procedures and maintenance standards, basic to complex landscape maintenance duties, including mowing, weeding, mulching, trimming, pruning, and planting, and any other related activities or tasks, at revenue and non-revenue facilities to ensure facilities and grounds are safe, neat, orderly, and aesthetically pleasing.
Safely loads, hauls, and operates a variety of equipment such as mowers (push, self-propelled walk-behind, and riding mowers), backpack blowers, tillers, trimmers, and edgers to complete landscape maintenance tasks.
Prepares for and responds to severe weather events by inspecting/securing storage areas; staging supplies and equipment; operating equipment to remove snow/ice; installing/replacing sandbags at known flood locations; and trimming/removing trees damaged by heavy rainfall or high winds.
Collects and disposes of trash and debris from facilities, rail stations, bus divisions, parking garages, and parking lots routinely, ensuring trash receptacles are available to customers and minimizing pest infestation.
Reports issues related to safety, vehicles, and equipment to the supervisor to ensure the supervisor can follow up to take required corrective actions and to identify and resolve root causes.
The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision.
Evaluation Criteria:
Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.
Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:
- Skills and/or behavioral assessment
- Personal interview
- Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
- Criminal background check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
- Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety-sensitive positions)
- Review of a current motor vehicle report
Closing
WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.
This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.